Respiratory sleep certified training programme

Part one of the programme is delivered online and covers the fundamentals of respiratory sleep medicine at a theoretical level. Part two focuses on practical application, beginning with a three-day onsite course, followed by the development and peer review of an online case portfolio, and concluding with an online session where participants present their cases and participate in discussions with ERS experts.

The programme should be completed within two years.

Learning outcomes

Following the training programme, participants will:

• Use diagnostic tools to assess sleep and breathing disorders.
• Address respiratory control, hypoxic/hypercapnic responses, and sleep apnoea.
• Recognise cardiovascular impacts of sleep-disordered breathing.
• Identify sleep disorder phenotypes across age, sex, and pathophysiology.
• Assess comorbidities affecting diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
• Evaluate CPAP and NIV therapies for efficacy, limits, and adherence.
• Explain types, mechanisms, and management of respiratory insufficiency.
• Explore links between OSA, endocrine, and non-respiratory sleep disorders.
• Apply skills in sleep scoring, PAP therapy, and digital technologies.
• Recognise socioeconomic factors, teamwork, and patient-centred care..

Pre-requisites for all participants

This programme is intended for all healthcare professionals who wish to develop or update their knowledge in respiratory sleep medicine.

• Part one:
  • Previous knowledge and experience on sleep respiratory medicine is not required.
• Part two:
  • Participants must successfully complete part one of the programme.
  • Participants must have access to a sleep laboratory or patients with sleep disorders within their institution to complete part two case portfolio.

Part one: theory

Part one of the training programme is delivered online and provides participants with the opportunity to gain or update their knowledge in respiratory sleep medicine.

Part two: practical course and online portfolio

The second part of this training programme allows participants to apply theory into practice. Successful participants attend a three-day course featuring case-based sessions and skills workshops.

Practical information regarding Part 2 onsite course

• Dates: 20-22 May, 2026
• Location: Antwerp, Belgium (Antwerp University Hospital – UZA)
• Preliminary programme

An application will be submitted to the European Board for Accreditation in Pneumology (EBAP) for CME accreditation of the training programme.

Part one:

• The next cohort for the Respiratory sleep training programme will be available in October 2025. Dates to be confirmed.
• Participants who fail the part one assessment the first time can register to re-sit for an administrative fee of €50.

Part two:

• Participants having successfully completed Part 1 will be able to register for Part 2 via myERS.